DFGX vs IVV
Dimensional International Core Fixed Income ETF vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. DFGX offers more diversification with 788 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DFGX | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.7B | $907.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.14% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 788 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +0.35% | +12.28% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.25% | +20.94% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.81% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -3.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 7, 2023 | May 15, 2000 |
DFGX vs IVV Performance
Dimensional International Core Fixed Income ETF (DFGX) is a ETF from Dimensional and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year DFGX returned +1.25% while IVV returned +20.94%. Year to date, DFGX is up 0.35% versus a gain of 12.28% for IVV.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 4.3% for DFGX. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -3.3% for DFGX and -56.5% for IVV. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.53. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFGX charges 0.20% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $3 annually, a gap of $17 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DFGX currently yields 4.14% against 1.10% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
DFGX and IVV share 0 holdings out of 593 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DFGX or IVV?
DFGX has an expense ratio of 0.20% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $17 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DFGX or IVV?
Over the past year DFGX returned +1.25% vs +20.94% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), DFGX annualized +5.29% vs +6.98% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DFGX or IVV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 4.3% for DFGX. Worst drawdown: DFGX -3.3% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both DFGX and IVV?
DFGX and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.53, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DFGX and IVV?
DFGX and IVV share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 593 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFGX or IVV?
DFGX yields 4.14% while IVV yields 1.10%, so DFGX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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